John Cooper Smith

A visitation for John will be held Monday, March 6, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at R. Stutzmann & Son, 224 39 Jamaica Ave, Queens Village, NY 11428. A funeral service will occur Monday, March 6, 2023 from 11:15 AM to 12:00 PM, 224 39 Jamaica Ave, Queens Village, NY 11428. A burial will occur Monday, March 6, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM at Calverton National Cemetery, 210 Princeton Boulevard, Calverton, NY 11792.

John Cooper Smith, commonly referred to as “Cooper” or “JC” by his family, and “Smith” or “Smitty” by his friends was born on April 24, 1941 in South Hill, Virginia to Charlie and Sylean Smith. He grew up in Bracey, Virginia and was the second of three boys, Joseph and Charlie, both of whom preceded him in death. John was a loving husband to his wife, Louise Mathis Smith, who also preceded him in death. As a child, John enjoyed fishing with his brothers and racoon hunting with his father. After graduating from East End High School in South Hill, Virginia in 1963, he moved to New York City in search of a better life. It was in New York City that John met his future wife, Louise, who was a friend of his brother Joseph. While Joseph and John were driving around town, Joseph saw Louise waiting at a bus stop on her way to work and offered her a ride. John was enamored by Louise from the moment they met. He knew there was something special about her and by the end of the drive he asked for her telephone number. With John being four years her junior, Louise replied “you’re too young for me”. To that John chuckled but was persistent in pursuing Louise and eventually convinced her to give him her telephone number. That day became the start of their lives together. While dating, John was drafted into the Vietnam War. He served on active duty in the United States Army 25th Infantry Division (Tropic Lightning), from 1967 through 1969 and remained in the Army Reserves until 1973. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and Vietnam Service Medal.

While in the Army Reserves, John married Louise on April 6, 1972 in Kew Gardens, New York. They made their home in Cambria Heights, New York where they raised their three children. After leaving the Army, John worked at General Motors and later found a job as a driver for United Parcel Service (UPS) where he worked for over 30 years. He was an extremely hard worker who endured long hours and sometimes harsh weather conditions to provide for his family. He was a devoted father who believed in tough love and always stressed the importance of an education to his children. Even though he had a strong and commanding presence he had the ability to make anyone laugh.

After retiring from UPS, John continued his love for driving, by taking those who were less fortunate to medical appointments, church services, or to the grocery store. He exercised regularly and loved to take walks in his neighborhood and local parks. John was well known within the Cambria Heights community having lived in the area for over 50 years. He was not the type of person to let the grass grow underneath his feet. He was a humble man who enjoyed a simple life. During the spring and summer months he loved to be outdoors and could often be found in the backyard tending to his tomatoes and cucumbers, cutting his grass or fixing something around the house. He also enjoyed discussing politics, reading the newspaper and watching various news channels to keep himself in tune with current events. He was an avid fan of NASCAR and football.

John had an amazing adoration for his son, Daniel, who was born with Autism. He was committed to making sure his son was well cared for and took an active role in his son’s life. John attended doctor’s appointments, stayed in contact with those involved in Daniel’s care, called Daniel every night for their “7pm” phone call, took him out on Fridays for dinner, and brought him home every weekend to spend time with him.

John touched the lives of those around him. His determination, drive and persistence to keep pushing on and to keep moving forward is an example to many. The quality of his existence far exceeded the quantity of time in which he lived. Those he leaves behind will mourn his death but celebrate the impact he had on their lives. He is survived by his three children, Daniel, Denise and Sharise (Christopher), two nieces, Michelle and Celeste, a close cousin, Floyd, whom he considered a brother, and a host of family and friends throughout the east coast from New York City to Florida.

In lieu of flowers, donations to offset funeral costs can be made to the family through Zelle at 917 902 8650 or 917 991 7473.

Funeral repast will be held at John's home in Cambria Heights immediately following the burial. Family and friends are welcomed to attend.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.rstutzmannandsonfuneralhome.com for the Smith family.